Soccer - AXA F.A. CUP semi-final replay - Manchester United v Arsenal

After spending 14 years at Arsenal, winning four league titles and three FA Cups in the process, Lee Dixon is no stranger to a Manchester United v Arsenal encounter. As the Reds welcome the defending champions to Old Trafford on Monday night with a place at Wembley in the Semi-Final at stake, the former Gunners full-back spoke to ROM about Monday night’s match, United’s season so far and Danny Welbeck’s early career at the Emirates.

ROM: How would you assess United’s season so far and Louis van Gaal’s start to his Manchester United career?

Confusing! I think even though they  are 3rd in the league there seems to be a distinct lack of game plan. I think the players are taking time to follow Van Gaal’s ideas.  The Man United game has always been based on fast play utilising the wingers and for a lot of this year these wingers have been wing backs even though by definition both Young and Valencia are wingers!

To be fair the defensive players have all been injured at some point. He has chopped and changed the style in order to find a way that works and as far as points and position he will argue they are getting it right. I am yet to be convinced with this labouring style. More to follow no doubt!
ROM: Which area of United’s squad do you feel needs addressing?

Defensively I am not at all convinced about them. From a system point of view and the players he has had at his disposal have not been convincing. They don’t have a Roy Keane any more. ( Who does?) Arsenal have never replaced Vieira and United have missed both Keane and Scholes. Rooney has to play up top for me.

ROM: How do you see Monday night’s FA Cup clash going?

 Arsenal can beat anyone in the world on their day. They have played some of the most attractive football the Premier League has seen in recent years but they have a shocking record at Old Trafford of late. They also are easy to play against when plan A doesn’t work. In my opinion the team will always produce the odd inept performance like we saw against Monaco every now and again and I think it will be won by the odd goal. Both will be looking at this game as a real must win based on who is left in the competition.

ROM: Arsenal won the competition last year after nine seasons without a trophy. Given the transition taking place at United, who do you feel winning the FA Cup this season would mean most to?

Winning the FA Cup is a big thing for any club. Given both teams position in the league(can’t win it) and their respected Champions League positions,one not in it and the other about to go out, this competition becomes a bit more special.

ROM: FA Cup success or Champions League qualification?

As a player winning the FA cup comes above Champions League qualification. The owners and chairmen will disagree but they are not the ones running out at Wembley for the biggest domestic cup competition in the world!

ROM:Is there a particular Man Utd v Arsenal fixture that stands out in your memory from your playing days and why?

I can never forget the Semi Final at Villa Park! How could I? I remember the team sheet came in and all the lads were calling me lucky as Giggs was on the bench. I said what was lucky about marking Blomqvist for 70 odd minutes then Giggs coming on to finish me off with fresh legs? Oh how true that was!!
ROM: If you could choose any United player and put him in the Arsenal team who would it be any why? And vice-versa, which one Arsenal player do you feel United would benefit from the most?

I would probably take De Gea at Arsenal, although I think both teams need a strong defensive midfielder like Matic. For United, probably Koscielny.

ROM: Many United fans were disappointed to see Danny Welbeck leave the club in the summer, with £16m in our opinion superb value for money from Arsenal’s perspective. How would you assess his season for Arsenal so far and can he displace Giroud as the team’s leading centre forward?

Danny was a great buy for us. He is at his best down the middle. He was showing signs when Giroud was out of form. He has lost that spot now and plays more out wide. Unfortunately he does come in and wander when I think Arsenal would benefit from some width but he’s not a winger. I like his attitude though.

ROM: Arsenal invincibles or United’s treble winning team?

I still think the Arsenal ’98 double team was better than the Invincibles. However I’m biased. If we played them 10 times I reckon we would win 4, lose 3 and draw 3.
As for the United treble team, that was a great side. However like all great teams they did ride their luck that year. If Bergkamp scores the penalty (in the FA Cup Semi-Final Replay) it’s all over! And we all know what happened v Bayern. A great side though non the less.
I’m biased though so the Invincibles. The clue is in the name!